Inspiring women articles

SI Lautoka IWD Oratory

SI Lautoka had a highly successful oratory program this year, with 35 schools participating. The theme ‘Give to Gain’ aligned with the United Nations theme. The primary school had two categories: Urban primary had 13 participants, while Rural primary had 12 participants. The high school category had 10 participants.

It was heartening to see 8 male participants this year, as encouraging male participation in gender equality advocacy is important. According to club President Sarita Kumar, great importance is placed on including males in such programs. She added that, apart from the male participants, some schools had male teachers training them. “We also ensured that we had male judges in the judging panels to achieve the goal of the oratory. The best part is that we had a member of Parliament, Mr Rinesh Sharma, gracing the occasion to motivate the students.”

The President also stressed that the club hopes to see more male participants advocating the cause next year. She informed that the International Women’s Day Oratory is an annual program which is highly popular with schools in Lautoka.

Meanwhile, the winning orators were as follows: Urban primary – winner: Shay Kumar (Lautoka Central), 1st runner-up: Dipvani Reddy (Gandhi Bhawan), 2nd runner-up: Shanaya Saara (Lautoka Muslim). Rural Primary- winner Unaisi Tukula (Lovu Sangam), 1st runner up Natash Jasmine Falekehifau (Drasa Primary), 2nd runner up Nishika Vedanshi (Gurukul Primary). High School – winner Sailosi Bale (Lautoka Andhra Sangam College), 1st runner up Lavanya Pal (Natabua High), 2nd runner up Anabia Mumtaz (Central College). Winners in all categories received a trophy, certificate, medal, and $100, while the second-place orators received a trophy, certificate, medal, and $75. The third-place winners received $50 with their certificate, medal and trophy.

SI Lautoka – Heart Screening for young rural students.

SI Lautoka organized a heart screening with Shree Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children's Hospital at Vasist Muni Memorial School to detect cardiac issues early.

In Fiji, rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains a leading cause of preventable death among children. Many cases go undetected until advanced stages because routine cardiac screening is not available in primary schools. Vasist Muni Memorial School had no on-site heart screening program, leaving students with undiagnosed murmurs or RHD at risk of serious complications, SI Lautoka hosted this outreach program in Tavua because in rural areas people are finding so many difficulties to go to Suva .

They screened 150 students in Years 5–8 for cardiac abnormalities using portable echocardiography and blood pressure measurement, recording ECG findings, blood pressure readings, and referral notes for each child with the aim of identifying at least 5% with previously unknown abnormalities. Shree Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital, provided volunteer cardiologists and nurses, and with written consent from the school principal and parents. Using the school hall as a temporary screening station, each screening took 10–15 minutes per child.

The project was successful:

They screened 120 children (68 girls, 52 boys), ) who had previously undiagnosed abnormal findings – 5 with cardiac murmurs requiring monitoring, 2 with borderline RHD changes on ECG, and 1 with a suspected mitral valve abnormality. All 8 were successfully referred and attended follow-up appointments, and a parent information session after the screening reached over 90 parents, improving knowledge of sore throat treatment and prophylaxis for RHD

SI New Zealand June 2026 Newsletter

Read the progress that this National project has made and how they are changing the lives of women in New Zealand.

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SI Adelaide Volume 4 Newsletter December 2025

In this edition, SI Adelaide showcases a year rich with advocacy, compassion, and community impact. From supporting asylum seekers and refugees to empowering young parents, assisting women transitioning from prison, and responding quickly to urgent community needs, the club’s commitment to action shines through every page. You’ll also find inspiring program highlights, member achievements, collaborative fundraisers, and upcoming events that continue strengthening connections across the region. Packed with purpose, heart, and hope, this newsletter beautifully reflects how SI Adelaide is creating meaningful change for women, girls, and the wider community.

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